The First Amendment

The First Amendment is the foundation for a country free from tyranny and helps protect all of the other rights that are guaranteed to all people. It is comprised of five parts: freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of association, freedom of assembly, and freedom to petition. These freedoms allow us to live in a democratic society where individuality is encouraged, opinions are diverse, and political debate is robust. Art, film, literature, journalism, and protest are all avenues of expression that would not be able to exist without the First Amendment.

Rapidly advancing technology and the vast reach of the internet have introduced a whole new set of issues concerning freedom of expression. While the possibilities of expression are now endless, there was no presence of blogging or podcasting in 1791 when the Bill of Rights was drafted, and thus, they aren’t included. As a result, the ACLU is working to ensure this new era in technology enhances civil liberties, rather than compromising them.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” The First Amendment of the Constitution of United States of America

The ACLU of Kansas is committed to protecting the right to protest inherent in the First Amendment and to defending other fundamental rights to free expression for all Kansans, regardless of political party or other affiliation.